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Successful Rural Plays 

A Strong List From Which to Select Your 
Next Play 

FARM FOLKS. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. For five male and six female characters. Time 
of playing, two hours and a half. One simple exterior, two 
easy interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Flora Goodwin, a 
farmer's daughter, is engaged to Philip Burleigh, a young New 
Yorker. Philip's mother wants him to marry a society woman, 
and by falsehoods makes Flora believe Philip does not love her. 
Dave Weston, who wants Flora himself, helps the deception by 
intercepting a letter from Philip to Flora. She agrees to marry 
Dave, but on the eve of their marriage Dave confesses, Philip 
learns the truth, and he and Flora are reunited. It is a simple 
plot, but full of speeches and situations that sway an audience 
alternately to tears and to laughter. 

HOME TIES. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. Characters, four male, five female. Plays two 
hours and a half. Scene, a simple interior — same for all four 
acts. Costumes, modern. One of the strongest plays Mr. Tubbs 
has written. Martin Winn's wife left him when his daughter 
Ruth was a baby. Harold Vincent, the nephew and adopted son 
of the man who has wronged Martin, makes love to Ruth Winn. 
She is also loved by Len Everett, a prosperous young farmer^ 
When Martin discovers who Harold is, he orders him to leave 
Ruth. Harold, who does not love sincerely, yields. Ruth dis- 
covers she loves Len, but thinks she has lost him also. Then 
he comes back, and Ruth finds her happiness. 

THE OliD NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME. A New 

England Drama in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For seven 
males and four females. Time, two hours and a half. Costumes, 
modern. A play with a strong heart interest and pathos, yet rich 
in humor. Easy to act and very effective. A rural drama of 
the "Old Homstead" and "Way Down East" type. Two ex- 
terior scenes, one interior, all easy to set. Full of strong sit- 
uations and delightfully humorous passages. The kind of a play 
everybody understands and likes. 

THE OLD DAIRY HOMESTEAD. A Rural Comedy 
in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For five males and four 
fernales. Time, two hours. Rural costumes. Scenes rural ex- 
terior and interior. An adventurer obtains a large sum of money 
from a farm house through the intimidation of the farmer's 
niece, whose husband he claims to be. Her escapes from the 
wiles of the villain and his female accomplice are both starting 
and novel. 

A WHITE MOUNTAIN BOY. A Strong Melodrama in 
Five Acts, by Charles Townsend. For seven males and tour 
females, and three supers. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 
One exterior, three interiors. Costumes easy. The hero, a 
country lad, twice saves the life of a banker's daughter, which 
results in their betrothal. A scoundrelly clerk has the banker 
in his power, but the White Mountain boy finds a way to check- 
mate his schemes, saves the banker, and wins the girL 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



A Letter of Introduction 

A Sketch in One Seem 



By 

WARD MACAULEY 

Author of ''Back to the Country Store,** ''Lasiy 

Bob Parkins," "Graduation Day at Wood' 

hill School," "His City Girl," etc. 




PHILADELPHIA 
THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1922 



0^ 



Copyright 1922 by The Penn Publishing Company 



©CID 63261 

A Letter of Introduction 



JAiN -2 1923 



A Letter of Introduction 



CHARACTERS 



James Burdick . . . with social ambitions 
Mrs. James Burdick .... even more so 
Eleanor Burdick .... their daughter 
Mr. Jephtha Johnson, a purveyor of life insurance 
Melchizedek Burdick . . a poor relation 

Time of Playing. — About one-half hour. 



INSTRUCTIONS 

" A Letter of Introduction " is easy to give when 
care is used in selecting the proper players for the 
various characters. The setting is an ordinary living- 
room neatly furnished. Mr. Burdick is a man of 
forty-five, a little inchned to be pompous; his wife 
around the same age. Eleanor is a pretty girl of 
twenty-two. Johnson, a live, wide-awake young fellow 
of twenty-five. Melchizedek must not be burlesqued. 
He is around fifty, poorly dressed, and a Httle dirty — 
but not too much so. 

A real radio outfit should be used. One can be 
readily borrowed from a dealer if not otherwise avail- 
able. Be careful to have no long waits, but have the 
acting as natural a^ possible. 



A Letter of Introduction 



SCENE. — Sitting-room of the Burdick home. Time, 

evening. 

{The curtain discovers Mr. and Mrs. Burdick seated 
on opposite sides of a table, reading.) 

Mr. Burdick. If I had had a thousand dollars last 
week I could easily have made two thousand. There 
was a bear raid on Utopia Oil and she shot down to 
four and a half. Then the bulls got busy and she sky- 
rocketed way up to seventeen and eleven-sixteenths. 
If I had only 

Mrs. Burdick. If you. had been wiser in your 
younger days, you might have got somewhere. 

Mr. B. (hastily changing the subject). By the way, 
Mary, Ohver Johnson may drop in on us this evening. 
You remember my old friend, Colonel Johnson. Well, 
this is his son, and I received a telegram from him 
saying he expected to be in town to-day — would reach 
here on the 7 : 50 train from Chicago. 

Mrs. B. Didn't you tell me that Colonel Johnson is 
wealthy ? 

Mr. B. I did. No doubt his income tax is about 
five times my salary. This young Johnson is the soul 
of propriety, a splendid young man and, of course, he 
shares in the family prosperity. Besides, remember 
that the Colonel and I went to school together. Many 
a time have we blacked each other's eyes — but good 
friends just the same. 

Mrs. B. How vulgar, James, how very vuljjar! 
But I am so glad that you think this young Mr. John- 

5 



6 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

son may be eligible. Why, maybe he will be just right 
fof Eleanor. 

Mr. B. Ah ! This is jumping at conclusions, Mary. 
Really, you know there is very little chance that any- 
thing will come of it. Nevertheless, we must be very 
pleasant. I may say, extremely pleasant to him. 

Mrs. B. Of course we must. How much did you 
say he is worth ? 

Mr. B. (drily). I didn't say. He's well fixed, as 
the saying goes. 

Mrs. B. Dear me, I hope he's nice looking. 

Mr. B. I couldn't tell you. I have never seen the 
boy. His father never took any beauty prizes. 

Mrs. B. How vulgar of you, James, to talk that 
way. How very vulgar. Where did you say he was 
from? 

Mr. B. From Seattle, Washington. The Colonel 
is a retired capitalist. Nothing could please me more 
than to have Eleanor marry this young man, his father 
and I being school chums for years. He went West 
and made money 

Mrs. B. (drily). While you stayed here and went 
into the hardware business. Did you say that young 
Johnson was travelling for his health? 

Mr. B. No. If he were, he'd keep away from this 
town, wouldn't he ? 

Mrs. B. Then what is he travelling for? 

Mr. B. For pleasure, for the fun of it; same rea- 
son I try to get in a little game of billiards now and 
then ; same reason you go to bridge parties and I try 
to sneak out of them. 

Mrs. B. He must be wealthy to go all around the 
country for fun. 

Mr. B. Well, I guess he doesn't have to be particu- 
lar how much butter he puts on his bread. 

Mrs. B. James, you are positively uncouth. Be 
more careful when Mr. Johnson comes. Oh, if he 
and Eleanor should only fall in love. I hope she 
doesn't get one of her streaks. 

Mr. B. It won't do any harm to be nice to him. 

Mrs. B. We must show him that we are real re- 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 7 

fined and — and — all right, you know. I can mention 
Browning and Shakespeare and O. Henry and Booth 
Tarkington. 

Mr. B. Now, don't try to show off. You went too 
far when I brought the boss up to dinner last fall. 

Mrs. B. I did no such thing, James Burdick. 

Mr. B. (consolingly). Nevermind. Just do every- 
thing to impress him favorably. Have Eleanor wear 
that pink dress. She looks so beautiful, I could al- 
most fall in love with her myself. 

Mrs. B. ril go and tell her. It was strange you 
didn't mention it at supper. 

Mr. B. I thought it would be better to explain the 
situation to you alone. Now, go and get Eleanor fixed 
up in her best. 

(Mrs. Burdick exits r. and Mr. Burdick turns to his 
paper. After a moment, the bell rings. Mr. Bur- 
dick puts his paper on the table, glances at the mir- 
ror to see that his appearance is satisfactory, and 
leisurely goes to the door. He reenters, followed 
by Melchizedek Burdick. Mr. Burdick cannot 
conceal his chagrin.) 

Melchizedek. Plague take it, James, you don't 
seem over glad to see me. 

Mr. B. Why, yes, I am, Mel, always glad to see 
you, but we were just all hustling to get ready to go to 
the movies — you know how it is. 

Melchizedek. Ain't that lucky? Ain't that lucky? 
I can go along, too. I haven't seen a show in a month 
of Sundays — cash too scarce in my pants these days. 

Mr. B. At least, say trousers, Mel. 

Melchizedek. No, at three dollars a pair, plain 
pants is good enough. What show be you going to ? 

Mr. B. (frantically reaching for the paper). Why, 
down at the Grand Palace, Jimmy Coogan in ''Rough 
Stuff.'* (He turns the paper excitedly.) 

Melchizedek. Why, bless your gizzard, that ain't 
at the Grand Palace. That was there last week. Got 
a cuspidor around here ? 



8 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

Mr. B. (disgusted) . No. 

Melchizedek. a fellow needs it when he chews. 
But say, I tell you, Jimmy. (Mr. Burdick looks dis- 
gusted.) I tell you what let's do. Let's leave the 
ladies to home and go down to see the Whirly-Girly 
Troupe at the HighUght Theatre — some show, they 
tell me. 

Mr. B. I never go out in the evening without Mrs. 
Burdick, Mel. You know that. 

Melchizedek (with a chuckle). Yes, I do know 
that. Only last week I saw you playing billiards down 
at the Covington House. (He coughs discordantly.) 

Mr. B. Keep still, will you? At any rate, I was 
playing with a customer. 

Melchizedek. 'Course that's what you told the 
missis. 

Mr. B. Please don't refer to Mrs. Burdick as the 
missis. 

Melchizedek. Don't get too high-toned, Jimmy. 
I always called Jennie the missis until the good Lord 
took her. (He takes a very dirty handkerchief from 
his pocket and applies it to his eyes.) Why, we never 
had a cross word and I always called her the missis. 
She never took no offense. Well, if you won't leave 
the family, let's all go to a good movie; what d'you 
say? Give your dear old cousin Mel a treat for once. 
Mustn't be stingy, Jimmy. 

Mr. B. (desperately). We are going with friends, 
the Perkins. They are going to call in their car. 

Melchizedek (delighted). Say, I'm in for a swell 
time. Haven't been in a limousine since the city gave 
me a free ride when I got a little too excited the night 
we won the pennant two years ago. Ride, movies, 
everything — mebbe a little lunch. Say, Jimmy, you 
sure are a good sport. This is going to be a red letter 
day in Mel's hfe. I can see that. Well, you have 
cause to celebrate. I haven't been to see you in a year. 

(Mrs. Burdick enters r. and takes in the situation at 
a glance. She overcomes her displeasure and pre- 
tends to he very gracious.) 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTIOI«^ Q 

Mrs. B. Why, good-evening, Melchizedek We 
haven't seen you in so long. We speak so often of 
you, James and I, and wonder how you are getting 
along. You look well. But of all the nights for you 
to come. So unfortunate that we are expecting other 
company to-night. 

Melchizedek. Expecting company ! I thought you 
were going to the movies. 

Mrs. B. (recovering with an effort). Why, they 
did speak of going to the movies — a little later, but 
then we may not go at all. We may play bridge. 
(Mr. Burdick makes a wry face.) The Allisons just 
love bridge. 

Melchizedek. The Allisons ? I thought it was the 
Perkins. 

Mrs. B. The Perkins and the AUisons and the 
Watsons — two tables of bridge. Now, you must be 
hungry. Come out and have a good cup of coffee and 
some doughnuts. 

Melchizedek. A couple o' sinkers and a bowl o* 
Java wouldn't be half bad at that. You always was 
very hospital, Mary. Very hospital. 

(Mrs. Burdick makes a grimace of disgust as she 
leads Melchizedek out l. Mr. Burdick resumes 
his paper. Eleanor enters, r.) 

Eleanor (eagerly). Did he come. Papa? 

Mr. B. (savagely). Yes, he came — your Cousin 
Melchizedek. What a night for him to turn up! 
Your mother's feeding him now. How we'll get rid 
of him, heaven knows. Just when I want to make a 
good impression on young Johnson. He'll lose his 
heart to you, my dear, when he claps his eye on you. 

Eleanor. Now, Daddy, no flattery. 

(Mrs. Burdick reenters, L.) 

Mrs. B. Now, what can we do? If Mr. Johnson 
ever sees Melchizedek, what will he ever think of us? 
Thank goodness, he isn't my family. 

Mr. B. (tartly). He's merely a fourth cousin. 



10 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

Mrs. B. We must get rid of him, if you have to 
throv/ him out the door. I gave him another broad 
hint out there, but he pretended he didn't understand. 

Mr. B. What's to be done? Johnson may come 
any minute. Imagine introducing him to Mel. 

Mrs. B. Desperate measures may be necessary. 

{Enter Melchizedek, l. ; he is wiping his mouth.) 

Melchizedek. Best coffee I've drunk in a month. 
Mr. B. You mustn't eat so fast, Mel. 

{The telephone rings.) 

Mrs. B. That 'phone again ! I'll answer it. Prob- 
ably Mrs. Allen wants to tell me the latest cute saying 
of that young son of hers. If so, it's the fifth time to- 
day. {Answers telephone.) Hello, yes, he's here. 
Some one to speak to you, James. 

Mr. B. {sharply over the telephone). Hello, yes, 
this is Mr. Burdick. What do you want? {Voice 

softens abruptly.) Oh, Mr. Benson why, I can't 

very well .... expecting company. Well, I guess I can 
make it. {Bangs receiver.) 

Mrs. B. What did old Benson want? 

Mr. B. The boss wants me to run down to the 
office — the usual excuse — an unexpected customer 
from out of town. I beheve he gets them to come in 
unexpectedly to make us fellows work overtime. 

Melchizedek. The old crab ought to let you off, 
seeing you're going to have a regular bridge party, an' 
mebbe go to the movies. 

Mr. B. It isn't your affair, Mel, anyway. 

(Eleanor exits, R.) 

Melchizedek. Don't be peevish, Jimmy. 

Mr. B. {ingratiating). I tell you, Mel, I've got to 
go down to the of^ce. Come along and I'll buy you a 
ticket to see the Whirly-Girly Show. 

Mrs. B. Don't you dare go in with him, James. 

Melchizedek, I came up here on business, Jimmy. 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION II 

rm expecting a remittance, and it didn't come. Now, 
if you could advance me a ten spot. 

Mr. B. ril have to get it at the office, Mel. Come 
along. 

Melchizedek:. Where's Eleanor? I wanted to 
kiss her good-night. 

Mrs. B. {aside to Mr. Burdick). We've got rid of 
him, anyway. Now hurry back and I'll entertain Mr. 
Johnson till you come. Remember, no shows and no 
bilhards. 

Mr. B. Make yourself particularly agreeable. Fall 
in with whatever Mr. Johnson says. Tell Eleanor to 
be her sweetest. Mr. Johnson will have a letter of 
introduction. Open it right up and make him feel at 
home. 

Mrs. B. You can depend upon me, James. 

Mr. B. Good-bye. 

(He kisses Mrs. Burdick and starts toward exit. 
Melchizedek makes a motion to kiss Mrs. Bur- 
dick, but she steps back and he offers his hand in- 
stead. ) 

Melchizedek. Good-bye, Mary. We'll all have a 
good night some night when you ain't entertaining 
company or going to the movies. 

(Mr. Burdick and Melchizedek exeunt, c.) 

Mrs. B. (calling off, r.). They're gone, Eleanor. 
Be sure you are fixed up your prettiest. Come down 
and let me have a look at you. (Aside.) I do hope 
that he turns out to be a good, moral man and that 
Eleanor takes to him. It gives me a comfortable 
feeling to have a nice man in the family. 

(Eleanor enters, r.) 

Eleanor. Poor Father ! He had to go back to the 
store again. Gracious, how I detest Cousin Mel. I 
was afraid he'd kiss me. 



12 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

Mrs. B. He even tried to kiss me — with your fa- 
ther standing right there. 

Eleanor. The impudent thing. Is he good look- 
ing? 

Mrs. B. Melchizedek? I should say not. 

Eleanor. I mean Mr. Johnson. 

Mrs. B. How on earth should I know, child? But 
I hope he is, and I hope he turns out to be all right, 
because he comes from such a good family. 

Eleanor. Did Papa say that Mr. Johnson was 
from the West? 

Mrs. B. From Seattle. He's travelling just for 
fun. 

Eleanor. Maybe he's travelling for his health. 

Mrs. B. (disturbed). There you go, Eleanor, 
frightening your poor mother. First thing you'll have 
him a chronic invalid. 

Eleanor. I always wanted to be a nurse. 

Mrs. B. a nurse ? Whatever 

Eleanor. Yes, and nurse a rich man and save his 
life and have him propose when he's convalescing — 
and, oh, it's so romantic. 

Mrs. B. Probably this man's a college athlete. 

Eleanor (eagerly). And I can stand on the side- 
lines and see my hero, the ball in his arms, rushing 
down the field, throwing everyone aside in his mad 
course — isn't it lovely? 

Mrs. B. Lovely, but it doesn't butter any parsnips 
as they say. I'd be more interested in his standing — 
social and financial. 

Eleanor. Oh, Mother, you are so mercenary. 

Mrs. B. Anyway, I hope you don't marry a hard- 
ware clerk like I did. 

Eleanor. I think I could learn to love a rich man. 

Mrs. B. Whatever you do, be real pleasant to- 
night. Don't get one of your streaks. Your father 
mentioned particularly that we were to agree with Mr. 
Johnson. (The door-bell rings, c. Mrs. Burdick, 
excitedly. ) There he is now. Remember, fall in with 
ever3^thing he says. 

Eleanor. I'll try, Mother, 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTIOK 



13 



(Mrs. Burdick exits, c, to answer ring. Eleanor 
turns to mirror, il., to make a few final preparations. 
After a moment Mrs. Burdick and Johnson eu" 
tCYf c.) 

Mrs. B. Come right in this way. So glad to meet 
you. Eleanor, take the gentleman's coat and hat. 

(Mr. Johnson is overcome by such unusual treat- 
ment.) 

Johnson (aside). I guess they don't know my line. 

Mrs. B. Sit right down and be comfortable. 

Johnson (still standing). Isn't Mr. Burdick in? 

Mrs. B. No, but he will be back in just a little 
while. Very important conference of his Board of 
Directors, Some big deal or other. They wouldn't 
move without his advice. He told me to be sure to 
have you wait. 

Johnson (searching in his pocket). I have a letter 
of introduction. Ah, here it is. 

(Hands Mrs. Burdick the letter.) 

Mrs. B. Yes, Mr. Burdick said that you'd have 
one. 

JoHNSor. Said I'd have one. Why— — 

Mrs. B. (hastily). Ah, yes, of course. (Aside.) 
We must agree with everything he says. (Opens let- 
ter and takes a superficial glance.) Oh yes, Mr. 
Johnson, we're so glad to meet you. This is our 
daughter, Eleanor. 

Johnson (with a majestic sweep). Miss Burdick, 
it is a pleasure. 

(All three take seats, Mrs. Burdick and Eleanor 
close to each other.) 

Mrs. B. Mr. Burdick was so disappointed because 
he had to leave. He wanted to spend the whole even- 
ing with you. 



14 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTIOI^ 

Johnson. Spend the whole evening with me? Ha ! 
Why, most people dodge me. 

Mrs. B. Dodge you? Why? 

Johnson. Excuse me, Mrs. Burdick. I was speak- 
ing to myself. But, you see, it isn't exactly 

Mrs. B. Oh, to be sure, of course, just as you say. 

Johnson (pounding the table). But I want to tell 
you ladies I've got the best thing ever offered. 

Eleanor (aside). What a strange young man! 

Mrs. B. (puzzled). You have? 

Johnson (with emphatic gesture). Yes sir, they 
can't duplicate it — simply can't touch it. I can prove 
to your husband that I am exactly the man he is look- 
ing for. 

Mrs. B. I haven't a doubt of it. 

Johnson. Yes sir, I've got it in black and white. 
(Takes a large note-hook from his pocket and slaps it 
by way of emphasis. Mrs. Burdick and Eleanor 
look at each other in astonishment. Mr. Johnson in- 
spects his hook intently for a moment.) Let's see, 
Iiow old is Mr. Burdick? 

Mrs. B. (amazed). How old is Mr. Burdick? 

Eleanor (aside to Mrs. Burdick). Agree with 
him, Mother. 

Mrs. B. Why, he's forty-seven, but I don't see 

Johnson (looking at his hook). Did he ever suffer 
from sciatica, gout, blood poisoning, typhoid fever, 
pneumonia 

Mrs. B. (interrupting). He has been perfectly well 
for twenty-five years, due to my good cooking and 
regular habits. (Aside to Eleanor.) Mr. Johnson 
must be a crank on heredity and he wants to know all 
about your family before he looks at you. 

Johnson. That's good. I'm mighty glad that Mr. 
Burdick's health is good. That makes everything 
easy. Now 

Eleanor. How's the Colonel? 

Johnson (astonished). The Colonel? 

Eleanor. Yes, your father. 

Johnson (in a matter-of-fact tone). Qh, he's dead, 
thank you. 



,'f ."" 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION I5 

Mrs. B. {startled). Colonel Johnson dead! Mr. 
Burdick will be so shocked. 

Johnson. I didn't know he knew the old gentle- 
man. 

Eleanor {aside). Old gentleman! What a queer 
young man. 

Mrs. B. {with feeling). They were bosom chums 
for years — went to school together. 

Johnson {to himself). That makes things easy. 
{Consulting his hook.) By the way, does Mr. Bur- 
dick drink? 

Mrs. B. Drink? Well, I should say not. He'd 
better not let me catch him. Just a game of billiards 
once in a while. {To Eleanor.) I've heard these 
rich folk are eccentric. 

Johnson {cheerfully). Good. Now, what busi- 
ness is he in? 

Mrs. B. He's connected with one of our largest 
hardware firms. 

Johnson {consulting his hook). Wholesale or re- 
tail ? 

Mrs. B. Wholesale, of course. 

Johnson {considting his hook). Very good. Noth- 
ing hazardous about that. 

Eleanor. Hazardous ? 

Johnson {cheerfully). Yes, it's not like aviating 
up in the air {lofty gesture) or digging down in the 
mines {points below) where they are likely to bring 
you home in a shovel almost any morning. He's a 
good risk. (Eleanor and Mrs. Burdick glance at 
each other, bewildered.) Just the kind I Uke to write. 

Eleanor. But, Mr. Johnson, you won't have to 
write him. He'll be home in a few minutes. 

Johnson {laughing). And then I'll write him. 

Eleanor. But I don't see. 

Mrs. B. Eleanor, yes you do. 

Eleanor. Oh, yes, I see! 

Johnson. You don't happen to know how much 
he's got now, do you, Mrs. Burdick? 

Mrs. B. {agitated). No, no, really I don't think I 
ought to say. 



l6 A LETTER OF INtRODUCTIOlSr 

Johnson. Lodge? 

Mrs. B. Goodness no. He went back to the office 
to wait on — I mean to hold an important conference. 

Johnson. Good. I'm glad he's old line. (Mrs. 
BuRDiCK and Eleanor look at each other much puz- 
zled.) Lodges are no good. 

Mrs. B. {approvingly). I don't think a man ought 
to go leaving his family every evening in the week. 
Of course a game of billiards once a week is all 
right. 

Eleanor. I always liked a domestic man. 

Johnson. Of course, I get called out a good deal 
nights. 

Mrs. B. But when you marry and settle down, it 
will be different. 

Johnson. If I ever marry I guess I'll have to 
chase around as much as ever. 

Mrs. B. Oh, no, you won't want to leave your lux- 
urious little home, surrounded by every comfort the 
heart could wish, and a nice, loving little wife. 

Johnson. Luxurious ! Probably Benson Street. 
{Name some street in a lower grade part of town.) 
Every comfort the heart could wish ! Quite so. 

Mrs. B. I wonder, Mr. Johnson, if you wealthy 
young men appreciate your responsibilities. 

Eleanor. I often think of that too. 

Johnson {aside). They take me for the president 
of the company. {To Mrs. Burdick.) Madame, my 
surplus wealth is donated to libraries. 

Eleanor. What a splendid young man. 

Mrs. B. Noble indeed. 

Eleanor. And have you established many libraries ? 
I have heard of the Carnegie libraries but never of the 
Johnson libraries. 

Johnson {hastily). Not as many as I should like. 

Mrs. B. An earnest young man like you ought to 
get married. He owes it to himself and to society. 

Johnson. I have considered it, Mrs. Burdick, but 
you know the practical side. This talk about two Hv- 
ing as cheaply as one is the bunk. 

Mrs. B. Such considerations certainly do not hin- 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 1 7 

der you. I know how you feel ; hard to find the right 
girl, pleasant, agreeable, pretty ; pretty but sensible. 

Johnson. I like them both pretty and sensible. 

Mrs. B. And if you can't have both, have them 
sensible is what I think. I've always felt most grate- 
ful that Eleanor^s sensible. 

Johnson. But the more sensible they are, the less 
likely they are to marry. 

Mrs. B. (shaking her finger playfully). You are 
joking ! You society men are so flippant. 

Johnson (aside). Society! I seem to have made 
a hit here, sure. (To Mrs. Burdick.) Madame, you 
do me a great injustice. I am the most serious of 
men. 

Eleanor. How did you leave things in the West, 
Mr. Johnson? 

Johnson. The West? (Aside.) Ah, yes, West 
Hennessy Street. (Use name of some well- known 
local street.) Fine. 

Mrs. B. What sort of weather have you been hav- 
ing? 

Johnson. Oh, warm, very warm. 

Mrs. B. Warm? The papers have reported a very 
chilly season. , 

Johnson (very much confused). Well, it's been 
either warm or cold, I'm not sure which. 

Eleanor. What a strange young man ! 

Mrs. B. How does it seem, Mr. Johnson, to have 
practically nothing to do? 

Johnson (aside). Everybody thinks a life insur- 
ance man has it easy. (To Mrs. Burdick.) Oh, I 
work harder than you imagine. I always have a lot 
of prospects to look after. 

Mrs. B. And the prospects seem pretty good, do 
they? 

Johnson. Not always — but fine right now. 
(Eleanor and Mrs. Burdick exchange significant 
glances. ) And then, of course, I write a good many. 

Mrs. B. (to Eleanor). He means he writes a good 
deal. (To Mr. Johnson.) I'm glad to hear it. I 
always did admire literary men. 



l8 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

Johnson. I wish I had time to read more. 

Mrs. B. Surely you have plenty of time — espe^ 
cially while travelling. You must read good books, 
Mr. Johnson, the very best. You know Shakespeare, 
Browning, O. Henry, Booth Tarkington, Edgar Lee 
Masters, Edith Wharton, Eugene O'Neill 

{She sits back with a self-satisfied air J) 

Johnson. I'll make a note of them. But now foi 
business. (Mrs. Burdick and Eleanor look at each 
other much astonished.) Madame, if your husband 
accepts what I offer 

Eleanor (to her mother). Is he going to propose 
to Father? 

Johnson {continuing), I will prove to him that he 
gets the best the market affords. Mr. Burdick is 
forty-seven. Very well, if he Hves to be sixty- 
seven 

Mrs. B. What are you talking about, Mr. John- 
son? 

Johnson. If he dies, you get the ten thousand at 
once, you, of course, being the beneficiary. 

Mrs. B. (aside). He's trying to buy Eleanor. He 
shouldn't come out so plain. 

Johnson (emphatically) . I guarantee that no one 
can do any better for you than I can. I'll show you 
what I have to offer and let the other fellow do the 
same, 

Eleanor. But there isn't any other fellow; at 
least, not just now. 

Johnson. Oh, there must be. There always isr 
But I'm not afraid of competition. 

Mrs. B. (seeking to change the subject). Tell us 
about yourself, Mr. Johnson. 

Johnson. There isn't much to tell. I'm terribly 
persistent, of course. 

Eleanor (aside). Persistent! He wants to get 
me whether I'm willing or not. 

Mrs. B. Properly used, persistence is a very good 
quality. 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION I9 

Johnson. I'm glad you think so, because Fm cer- 
tainly persistent in trying to close a proposition. 

Mrs. B. (growing cold). Then you've tried it be- 
fore ? 

Johnson. Oh, yes indeed, many times. 

Mrs. B. And the others all said no? 

Johnson. Oh, not all of them. 

Mrs. B. They didn't? 

Johnson. Oh, dear no. They all say " no " at 
first, but I keep after them and they often change their 
minds. Ah, it's a great life ! 

Mrs. B. a great Hfe, Mr. Johnson? 

Johnson. Ah, they make dates and when I come, 
they're not home. Then another time, I slip in on 'em 
unexpected. 

Eleanor. Ah, that's what you do. 

Johnson. It's the only thing to do. 

Mrs. B. Let me get you some lunch, Mr. Johnson. 

Johnson (aside). This is too much. 

Mrs. B. No doubt your long journey tired you. 1 
insist on getting a nice lunch. 

Johnson. Just as you say, Mrs. Burdick, you are 
wonderfully kind. 

Eleanor. One must get tired of even the best 
hotels. 

Johnson (ironically). Oh, yes. Oh, my yes. 

Eleanor. How funny you are, Mr. Johnson. 

(Mrs. Burdick exits l. with a significant glance at 

Eleanor. ) 

Johnson. I feel that I ought to call again. I am 
afraid that I am interfering with your evening. 

Eleanor. Oh, not at all. We were expecting you. 
I hope it doesn't seem stupid. 

Johnson. Stupid? Dear me, no, not for me; but 
I was afraid that it would seem so for you. 

Eleanor. How would you like to listen in on the 
radio ? 

Johnson. Fine. 

Eleanor. It's lots of fun. Here, you put this 



20 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

r 
headpiece on. (Johnson adjusts the instntment and 
listens zvith a pleased expression. ) What is it ? 

Johnson. A baritone solo — "Ah, promise me." 
That's what I say to my prospects all the time. 

Eleanor. You f mmy man ! 

Johnson {humming to accompany the radio). 
"Ah, promise me that some day you and I tweedle 
tweedle de dum." Well, that's the end of that. Now 
you listen. 

Eleanor. Oh, no, we hear it every night. You 
hear one more. 

(Mrs. Burdick enters l. and talks to Eleanor a mo- 
ment zvhile Mr. Johnson is listening in the radio.) 

Mrs. B. (in a soft voice). Well, how do you Hke 
him? 

Eleanor. I think he's fascinating — so different 
from what I expected, so business-like, so full of pep. 
Even if his father wasn't rich he could make his way. 
I love self-reliant men. 

Mrs. B. He is very odd. I hardly understand 
some things he says, but he does seem nice. 

(She exits l. as Mr. Johnson removes the headpiece.) 

Johnson. A beautiful song called " Be Kind to the 
Loved Ones at Home." That's what I believe in and 
doing it in a practical way. 

Eleanor. I'm glad you do, Mr. Johnson, 

Johnson. I hope I can make Mr, Burdick see it 
the way I do. 

Eleanor. Ah, he does. He's the kindest man. 

Johnson. Now, you listen. (Eleanor puts on the 
headpiece. After a moment she takes it off with a 
gesture of impatience.) What's the matter? 

Eleanor. Only a lecture — it's dull and he'll talk 
an hour. 

Johnson. What's it about? 

Eleanor. Oh, salesmanship, prospects, follow up. 
I couldn't understand what he was getting at. 

Johnson {eagerly). Let me hear it. {He puts the 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 21 

headpiece on quickly.) Oh, I say, he's all wrong — all 
wrong. 

Eleanor. What does he say? 

Johnson. He says women are easier to sell than 
men. Listen, I say you're all wrong. Listen to me a 
minute. 

Eleanor. How funny you are ! 

Johnson. I forgot. I hear him so plainly I didn't 
reahze he can't hear me. 

Eleanor. Radio is wonderful, isn't it? 

Johnson. I should say it is. {He takes the re- 
ceiver off. ) Now, this man is some big sales-manager. 
He says that the thing to do is to get the prospect to 
see the reason why. I don't believe it. Grip the im- 
agination, I say. Imagination has got reason skinned 
where it comes to selling anything, furniture, books, 
instantaneous heaters, insurance — anything. 

Eleanor. How do you mean? 

Johnson. Well, take an instantaneous heater. If 
I wanted to sell one to a man I wouldn't try to reason 
it out. I'd tell him to imagine going into the bath- 
room and having all the hot water he wanted any min- 
ute. Ah, imagination is the thing. 

Eleanor. You certainly are a clever young man. 
I didn't realize that you wealthy young men took such 
an interest in affairs. I thought it was all golf. 

Johnson. Never had a golf club in my hand. But 
I'm not wealthy. Miss Burdick. 

Eleanor (aside). How modest he is. I love un- 
assuming men. 

Johnson. I've just read a book called " Face to 
Face Salesmanship " that has got the real idea. But, 
say, do you mind if I listen a moment? 

Eleanor. Why, not at all. (Mr. Johnson re- 
places the headpiece, but after a moment takes it off 
with a disgusted look.) What's the matter? 

Johnson. Nothing doing — can't hear a thing. It's 
just buzz — buzz — that's all. 

Eleanor. Let's see if we can't fix it. (She moves 
the radio indicator from side to side.) Mr. Johnson, 
you keep the headpiece on and see if you can hear 



22 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

anything. {She prettily places the headpiece in posi 
tion, an operation that pleases Johnson greatly. 
Eleanor moves the indicator up and down. Mrs. 
BuRDiCK enters the room and seeing the two so inter- 
ested in each others wears a pleased smile as she sits 
down and picks up a book. Eleanor and Johnson 
do not notice her.) Can you hear anything? (John- 
son shakes his head.) Let me try it. (He takes off 
the headpiece and helps her put it on.) Now, you 
move this indicator up and down and I'll listen. (Mr. 
Johnson manipidates the indicator while Eleanor 
listens. At first she shakes her head emphatically, 
then less emphatically, then smiles faintly and finally 
broadly.) There it is — but it isn't the salesmanship 
lecture. He must be through. It's a violin solo. 
What's the name of that? Oh, it's beautiful; you 
must Hsten, Mr. Johnson. See if you know the name 
of that lovely piece. 

Johnson (after listening a moment). Why, no, I 
can't say that I do. 

Eleanor (turning around). Why, Mother, we 
didn't hear you come in. See if you know the name 
of this lovely piece. 

Mrs. B. I am so glad that you are getting ac- 
quainted so nicely. I'll have the lunch ready real soon. 
I didn't want to stop you when you were having such 
a good time. (She puts on the headpiece. After a 
moment.) Why, Eleanor, I'm surprised that you 
don't know the name of that piece — loveliest thing 
ever written. Why, everybody knows that. 

Eleanor. Yes, but what is it ? 

Mrs. B. What is it? Why, it's the er — er — you 
know, the what-do-you-call-it from one of the operas. 
Look it up in the program, you foolish child. 

(Eleanor gets the evening paper.) 

Eleanor. Mr. Johnson, you help me find it. Let 
me see, it was right after the lecture. Ah, yes. 
" Salesmanship " by President Bokus of the Welling- 
ton Furniture Company. Violin solo by Signor Pom- 
polotto, " By the Miami Shore." 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 23 

Mrs. B. Why, of course, " By the Miami Shore," 
It was on the tip of my tongue. 

Eleanor (slyly). From what opera, Mother? 
(The bell rings.) Maybe that's Papa. 

Mrs. B. I didn't expect him so soon. Anyway, 
your Cousin Mel didn't get him into a show, that's cer- 
tain. (Goes to door. Enter Mr. Burdick, c.) 

Mr. B. Back again. He only wanted to buy a 
twelfth of a dozen rakes — assorted. 

Mrs. B. This is Mr. Johnson. 

Mr. B. (effusively). Delighted, my boy, dehghted. 

Johnson (aside). I have never been treated like 
this. (To Mr. Burdick.) I'm glad to know you. I 
hope that when I've explained my proposition to you 
you will say the same about me. 

Mr. B. (aside). Proposition? Can he have pro- 
posed already? (To Johnson.) I hope the ladies 
have made things pleasant for you. 

Johnson. More than pleasant. We've had a 
splendid time. 

Eleanor. Indeed we have. Mr. Johnson is so 
original. 

Mr. B. That's fine. Sit down, my boy, and tell me 
all about things. 

Mrs. B. I know how shocked you will be, James. 
Colonel Johnson is dead ! 

Mr. B. Colonel Johnson dead! Why, this is aw- 
ful. 

Johnson (very matter-of-fact). It gets us all, 
sooner or later. 

Mr. B. That's true, yet we can't 

Johnson. It's a sure thing. You can't dodge it. 

Mr. B. What caused the Colonel's death? 

Johnson. Colonel? Oh yes, you mean Father. 
Why, I don't remember. 

Mr. B. You don't remember ! 

Mrs. B. I was just about to serve lunch when you 
came in. 

Mr. B, After my severe labors in selling that rake, 
I could use a Httle. (Turning /o Johnson.) Your 
father and I went to school together. 



24 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

Mrs. B. And you went into the hardware. 

Johnson. And he took up real estate. 

Mrs. B. Come, Eleanor, help me with the lunch. 

(Mr. Johnson and Mr. Burdick talk in pantomime, 
while Eleanor and Mrs. Burdick exchange re- 
marks at the door.) 

Eleanor. I think he's just splendid, so clever, so 
interested in everything. You should hear him talk 
about salesmanship, and so earnest, too. 

Mrs. B. {beaming). I'm so glad, dear. He's so 
eligible. 

Johnson {to Mr. Burdick). The ladies have been 
most pleasant to me. We listened in on the radio and 
everything. But now I must tell you what I came for. 

Mr. B. Yes, of course. Did you hear that lecture 
on Salesmanship? 

Johnson. Part of it. 

Mr. 'B. You will have to tell me about it. I didn't 
want to miss it. Going back to the store is a nuisance. 

Johnson. But an important conference requires 
attention. 

Mr. B. {hardly concealing a smile). Of course. 
{The hell rings.) Excuse me, please. 

{He goes to the door. He returns with a telegram. 
Mr. Johnson has picked up the evening paper, 
Mrs. Burdick comes flying in from the kitchen. ) 

Mrs. B. Goodness gracious! James, a telegram! 
Probably Aunt Maria's worse, or something, or — 
or 

Mr. B. Nonsense, Probably another man wants a 
twelfth of a dozen rakes. 

{He has opened the telegram. Eleanor has en- 
tered, c.) 

Mrs. B. {impatiently). Well, what is it? 

Mr. B. {reading). " Mrs. Johnson and I have been 
detained in Chicago. Will see you next week. Jolly 
honeymoon. Oliver Johnson." 

Mrs. B. Jolly honeymoon ! 



A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 25 

Eleanor. Mrs. Johnson! 

Mr. B. There's a mistake somewhere. 

Mrs. B. I should say there was. 

Johnson. It looks that way. I thought there 
must be. 

Mr. B. Let's get it straight. Then you are not 
Oliver Johnson? 

Johnson. No, indeed. My name is Johnson, sure 
enough, but not Oliver. My first name is Jephtha. 
Your friend Paul Haines gave me a letter of introduc- 
tion, which I gave to Mrs. Burdick. I wanted to see 
you about your life insurance. 

Mrs. B. But, James, you never told me that Oliver 
Johnson was married. 

Eleanor. I should say you didn't. Father. 

Mr. B. I didn't know it. He must have sent an 
announcement. His father and I were old friends. 

Mrs. B. Well, it didn't come to this house. 

Mr. B. He must have sent one. Maybe he didn't 
have the right address. Anyway, thank goodness, my 
old friend Colonel Johnson isn't dead. As for you, 
young man, I am not going to talk insurance. I want 
you to tell me what that salesmanship lecture was 
about. 

Johnson. But not a demonstration? 

Mr. B. Decidedly no. I am too tired from selling 
that large order. 

(Mr. Johnson turns to Eleanor while Mr. and Mrs. 
Burdick converse.) 

Johnson. It has been a great pleasure to meet you 
all, even if you thought I was somebody else. 

Eleanor. I hope that we will have the pleasure 
again. 

Johnson. You sure can have it, if you want it. I 
hope I don't seem presumptuous, but I would like to 
have the pleasure of your company at the theater 
sometime. 

Eleanor. Yes, sometime. 

Johnson. Oh, sometime doesn't mean anything. 
Let's make it next week. 



26 A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 

Eleanor. I don't see any reason 



Johnson. Don't use your reason. Use your im- 
agination. Think of us sitting together enjoying a 
good play. 

Eleanor. You will have to make a better sales- 
manship talk than that. 

{He talks earnestly in pantomime during the dialogue 
hetzveen Mr. and Mrs. Burdick. ) 

Mrs. B. I am so sorry that he isn't Oliver. Why, 
he and Eleanor took to each other right from the start. 

Mr. B. Oliver isn't so interesting, now that we 
know that he is married. I can't imagine where that 
announcement went. 

Mrs. B. Eleanor knows so few young men, and he 
is so bright and clever. You say he is an insurance 
man. I understand some things he said now. 

Mr. B. They seem to like each other now. He 
must be a decent fellow or Paul Haines wouldn't give 
him that letter. Well, let's have the lunch, and he can 
stay — if he doesn't try to sell me a policy. 

Johnson {to Eleanor). I'm afraid I'm the wrong 
Mr. Johnson. 

Eleanor. Not at all. Your selling talk is full of 
the four elements you say are essential to a sale, and 
you have brought your prospect to a decision. We go 
to see " Odd or Even " on Monday night. 

(Mrs. Burdick enters with the hmch.) 

Mr. B. {to Johnson). I want to know all about 
that lecture, but remember if I hear the word premium 
or beneficiary — out you go. 

Johnson {taking a manual from his pocket). You 
see this little book. It says " The Wise Salesman 
Bides His Time." 

{They are eating lunch happily and Johnson turns to 
talk zvith Eleanor as the curtain descends.) 

curtain 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

A SURPRISE PARTY AT BRINKLEY'S. An En- 
tertainment in One Scene, by Ward Macauley. Seven male and 
seven female characters. Interior scene, or may be given with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. Time, one hour. By the 
author of the popular successes, "Graduation Day at Wood HiU. 
^School," "Back to the Country Store," etc. The villagers have 
planned a birthday surprise party for Mary Brinkley, recently 
graduated from college. They all join in jolly games, songs,. 
conundrums, etc., and Mary becomes engaged, which surprises* 
the surprisers. The entertainm-ent is a sure success. 

JONES VS. JINKS. A Mock Trial in One Act, by 
Edward Mumford. Fifteen male and six female characters, with 
supernumeraries if desired. May be played all male. Many of the 
parts (members of the jury, etc.) are small. Scene, a simple 
interior ; may be played without scenery. Costumes, modern. 
Time of playing, one hour. This mock trial has many novel 
features, tmusual characters and quick action. Nearly every 
character has a funny entrance and laughable lines. There are 
many rich parts, and fast fun throtighout. 

THE SIGHT-SEEING CAR. A Comedy Sketch in On© 
Act, by Ernest M. Gould. For seven males, two females, or 
may be all male. Parts may be doubled, with quick changes, so 
that four persons may play the sketch. Time, forty-five minutes. 
Simple street scene. Costumes, modern. The superintendent 
of a sight-seeing automobile engages two men to run the 
machine. A Jew, a farmer, a fat lady and other humorous 
characters give them all kinds of trouble. This is a regular gat- 
ling-gun stream of rollicking repartee. 

THE CASE OF SMYTHE VS. SMITH. An Original 

Mock Trial in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eighteen males 
and two females, or may be all male. Plays about one hour. 
Scene, a county courtroom ; requires no scenery ; may be played 
in an ordinary hall. Costumes, modern. This entertainment is 
nearly perfect of its kind, and a sure success. It can be easily 
produced in any place or on any occasion, and provides almost 
any number of good parts. 

THE OLD MAIDS' ASSOCIATION. A Farcical Enter- 
tainment in One Act, by Louise Latham Wilson. For thirteen 
females and one male. The male part may be played by a 
female, and the number of characters increased to twenty or 
more. Time, forty minutes. The play requires neither scenery, 
nor properties, and very little in the way of costumes. Can 
easily be prepared in one or two rehearsals. 

BARGAIN DAY AT BLOOMSTEIN'S. A Farcical 

Entertainment in One Act, by Edward Mumford. For five males 
and ten females, with supers. Interior scene. Costumes, mod- 
' ern. Time, thirty minutes. The characters and the situation? 
which arise from their endeavors to buy and sell make rapid-fir< 
(■un from start to finishj 

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PHILADELPHIA- 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

GRADUATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in Two Acts, by Ward Macauley. For six 
males and four females, with several minor parts. Time of 
playing, two hours. Modern costumes. Simple interior scenes; 
may be presented in a hall without scenery. The unusual com-i 
bination of a real "entertainment," including music, recitations, 
etc., with an interesting love story. The graduation exercises 
include short speeches, recitations, songs, funny interruptions, 
and a comical speech by a country school trustee. 

EXAMINATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in One Act, by Ward Macauley. Eight male 
and six female characters, with minor parts. Plays one hour. 
Scene, an easy interior, or may be given without scenery. Cos- 
tumes, modern. Miss Marks, the teacher, refuses to marry a 
trustee, who threatens to discharge her. The examination in- 
cludes recitations and songs, and brings out many funny answers 
to questions. At the close Robert Coleman, an old lover, claims 
the teacher. Very easy and very effective. 

BACK TO THE COUNTRY STORE. A Rural Enter- 
tainment in Three Acts, by Ward Macauley. For four male 
and live female characters, with some supers. Time, two hours. 
Two scenes, both easy interiors. Can be played effectively with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. All the principal parts are 
sure hits. Quigley Higginbotham, known as "Quig," a clerk in 
a country store, aspires to be a great author or singer and 
decides to try his fortunes in New York. The last scene is in 
Quig's home. He returns a failure but is offered a partnership 
in the country store. He pops the question in the midst of a 
surprise party given in his honor. Easy to do and very funny. 

THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. A Farcical Sketch 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For eleven males and one 
female, or twelve males. Any number of other parts or super- 
numeraries may be added. Plays forty-five minutes. No special 
scenery is required, and the costumes and properties^ are all 
easy. The play shows an uproarious political nominating con- 
vention. The climax comes when a woman's rights cham- 
pion, captures the convention. There is a great chance to bur- 
lesque modern politics and to work in local gags. Every 
part will make a hit. i 

SI SLOCUM'S COUNTRY STORE. An Entertainment 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eleven male and five female 
characters with supernumeraries. Several parts may be doubled. 
Plays one hour. Interior scene, or may be played without set 
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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

.PHILADELPHIA. 



Successful Plays for All Girls 

In Selecting Your Next Play Do Not Overlook This List 

YOUNG DOCTOR DEVINE. A Farce in Two Acts, 
by Mrs. E. J. H, Goodfellow. One of the most popular 
plays for girls. For nine female characters. Time in 
playing, thirty minutes. Scenery, ordinary interior. Mod- 
ern costumes. Girls in a boarding-school, learning that a 
young doctor is coming to vaccinate all the pupils, eagerly con- 
sult each other as to the manner of fascinating the physician. 
When the doctor appears upon the scene the pupils discover that 
the physician is a female practitioner. 

SISTER MASONS. A Burlesque in One Act, by Frank 
DuMONT. For eleven females. Time, thirty minutes. Costumes, 
fantastic gowns, or dominoes. Scene, interior. A grand expose 
of Masonry. Some women profess to learn the secrets of a 
Masonic lodge by hearing their husbands talk in their sleep, 
and they institute a similar organization. 

A COMMANDING POSITION. A Farcical Enter, 
tainment, by Amelia Sanford. For seven female char= 
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hour. Costumes, modern. Scenes, easy interiors and one street 
scene. Marian Young gets tired living with her aunt. Miss 
Skinflint. She decides to "attain a commanding position,'" 
Marian tries hospital nursing, college settlement work and 
school teaching, but decides to go back to housework, 

HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET. A Comedy 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For ten female characters. 
Time, half an hour. Scene, an easy interior. Costumes, modernc 
Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but it's "the 
deepest kind of a secret." Before announcing it they must win 
the approval of Harold's uncle, now in Europe, or lose a possible 
ten thousand a year. At a tea Mabel meets her dearest friend. 
Maude sees Mabel has a secret, she coaxes and Mabel tells her, 
But Maude lets out the secret in a few minutes to another 
friend and so the secret travels. 

THE OXFORD AFFAIR. A Comedy in Three Acts, 
by Josephine H. Cobb and Jennie E. Paine. For eight female 
characters. Plays one hour and three-quarters. Scenes, inter= 
iors at a seaside hotel. Costumes, modern. The action of the 
play is located at a summer resort. Alice Graham, in order to 
chaperon herself, poses as a widow, and Miss Oxford first claims 
her as a sister-in-law, then denounces her. The onerous duties 
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PHILADELPHIA 



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